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Create Canvas quizzes with different time limits from your notes

Generate multiple-choice, true/false and open questions from your own material, then handle timing for each student in Canvas.

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How to give different time limits on a Canvas quiz

Some students need more time than others, and one quiz setting rarely fits everyone, so instructors often search for Canvas quizzes with different time limits when planning a test.

Extra time for one student: use Moderate This Quiz instead of editing the whole quiz.
Different limit for a group: duplicate the quiz and set its own time limit.
Open questions: allow more time per question than you would for multiple choice.
Accommodations: confirm the required extra time with your school's accessibility office.

Example timed quiz questions for Canvas instructors

In Canvas, how do you give one student extra time without changing the quiz for the class?Use Moderate This Quiz and add extra time for that student only, because the main time limit applies to everyone else.

Why might a group need its own copy of a quiz?Canvas sets one time limit per quiz, so a separate copy is the simplest way to give a group a different overall limit.

How is extended time for accommodations usually set?Students with approved accommodations receive a longer limit, often a set percentage more time, so confirm the exact rule with your accessibility office.

Why allow more time per question for open-ended items?Written answers take longer to compose than selecting an option, so timing should reflect the mix of question types.

What is a reasonable starting time for a 20-question multiple-choice quiz?About 20 minutes, roughly one minute per question, then adjust for reading load and calculations.

Generate the full set

Per-student timing

Canvas can extend time for one student through quiz moderation, so the quiz stays the same for everyone else.

Questions from your material

Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, notes or a photo of a page, and get multiple-choice, true/false or open questions with explanations.

Exports for your LMS

QTI 2.1 and Moodle XML export are part of the Pro plan, so you can move questions into your course.

How it works

Upload your material

Add the PDF, slides or notes that your quiz should cover.

Review the questions

Edit wording and check each explanation before you publish the quiz.

Set timing in Canvas

Apply the standard time limit, then add extra time for students who need it.

Canvas handles extra time for individual students through quiz moderation, while a group that needs a different overall limit is usually easier to manage with a separate copy of the quiz. Open-ended questions also take longer to answer than multiple choice, so build your timing around the question mix.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I give one student extra time on a Canvas quiz?

Open the quiz, choose Moderate This Quiz, and add extra time for that student only. Everyone else keeps the original time limit.

How long should a timed multiple-choice quiz be?

A common starting point is about one minute per question, adjusted for reading load and calculations. A trial run with one student can show whether the limit is fair.

Can DeckOwl export questions for Canvas?

QTI 2.1 export is available on the Pro plan, and PDF and DOCX export are on Plus. Check that your Canvas import accepts the format before you rely on it.

Is DeckOwl free to try?

Yes, the Free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. No credit card is needed to start.

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